facelift which will make them more accessible while protecting them.

Paget Marsh and Warwick Pond Nature Reserve are the beneficiaries of the donation by former National Trust president Dennis Sherwin.

The money will be used to build a protective boardwalk through each site which will allow access to the delicate ecosystems and protect them from the damage caused by people walking through them.

Trust Council member and Government Conservation Officer David Wingate said: "Paget Marsh is the diamond in the National Trust's necklace of nature reserves. It is the last intact area of inner marsh forest.'' He added: "It may seem odd that by creating access to the Marsh we are actually increasing its protection, but that's the case.'' The gift is the largest of its kind ever given to the Trust. The decision was made to utilise it in this way because of Mr. Sherwin's interest in preserving open space in Bermuda.

Trust president Hugh Davidson said: "When Dennis was president of the Trust, he often called for a system of parks and public open spaces as `an emerald necklace' for the benefit of both Bermudians and visitors to our crowded Island.

"He arranged the gift of Warwick Pond Nature Reserve ten years ago, and now, through this present gift, has greatly furthered the dream of Bermuda's emerald necklace.'' Paget Marsh is unique in that it is the last significant tract of land in Bermuda to have survived almost unchanged by man since pre-historic times.

The Trust's plan is to put a boardwalk on stilts -- made of recycled plastic timbers -- through both sites. There will be signage explaining what there is to see and places to sit along each route.

This copies a technique used in the US to protect areas such as the Everglades which Mr. Sherwin came across 30 years ago.

He said: "There is virtually no damage to the fragile plants and ecosystem and the wildlife which abounds in South Florida pays absolutely no attention to the curious human beings confined to the boardwalk.

"The National Trust will be sending our local boardwalk builders-to-be to take a look at this immensely successful project.'' Warwick Pond will receive a smaller trail, boardwalk and viewing area once the work in Paget is completed.

Trust executive director Amanda Outerbridge said: "These trails will make the parks multi-dimensional and bring their enjoyment to all. They serve as educational experiences and, just as important, offer people a place for quiet reflection.'' She added that the Trust would like to work with Government and other conservation groups on the project. The Audubon Society have already jumped on board and have offered to carry out some of the work on the area.

Mr. Sherwin said: "I believe very strongly in the future of Bermuda, and the best and only course is for us all to work together. Here is such a project.

It gives us all -- Bermudians, residents and visitors -- something more of quality to do.''